Since being traded after just two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers to the Brooklyn Nets over the offseason, D'Angelo Russell has caught plenty of criticism.

Much of this has centered around his play on the court that some believe isn't conducive to helping make his teammates better and them wanting to play with him on the court. With that in mind, Russell had recently told Zach Lowe of ESPN that he believes players like playing alongside him. (h/t NetsDaily)

“I think guys enjoyed playing with me,” Russell told Lowe. “Now I'm going to make sure they do instead of not really taking it into consideration.”

Russell will have a chance to prove that with a fresh start with Brooklyn this upcoming season as one of the centerpieces of the team. The Nets have much hope that he can develop into the face of the franchise, now likely shifting into a shooting guard role with his new team.
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The 21-year-old has shown much maturity with the process up to this point, despite all the criticism that has been thrown his way which began with Magic Johnson subtly stating that he doesn't have the leadership qualities that the team is looking for in a point guard.
Ultimately, the ball is in Russell's hands to make of the opportunity of what he may, to take some major strides in fulfilling that major potential and the expectations that were thrust upon him when he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.